University observes National Disability Awareness Month

Dr. I. King Jordan, President Emeritus of Gallaudet University and the first deaf person to lead a university in the United States, will deliver this year’s keynote address.

In observance of National Disability Awareness Month, the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting a series of free events and lectures in October 2007 as part of its ongoing initiative to increase awareness, accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the University community and beyond. Additional events sponsored and hosted by Truckee Meadows Community College, the City of Reno, Reno Access Advisory Committee (RAAC), Washoe County Emergency Services, the Autism Coalition of Northern Nevada, the Lili Claire Foundation and the Nevada Business Leadership Network are also scheduled.

In 1945, U.S. Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, with the aim of helping disabled veterans. The word “physically” was later removed to recognize the needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In the 1970s, a shift in public policy led to further amendments fueled by the belief that discriminatory acts of exclusion and segregation against people with disabilities should be addressed through the courts. As a result, the U.S. saw passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation, by presidential proclamation, of a full month to increase public awareness and acknowledge the capabilities of the 30 million people of working-age in the U.S. who live with disabilities.

National studies have shown that one freshman in 11 entering higher education each year will have a documented disability. The University of Nevada, Reno conducts research and training through the Nevada Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the University Disability Resource Center, which provides services to more than 880 students with disabilities. The University Disabilities Resource Coalition also advocates for students, faculty and staff through the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity.

The University of Nevada, Reno’s monthlong series, “Access-Opportunity-Success,” will feature a keynote address by Dr. I. King Jordan, President Emeritus of Gallaudet University and the first deaf person to lead a university in the United States. Other nationally recognized speakers on personal and professional issues that challenge millions of Americans with disabilities will be featured throughout the month.

Most events are free and many include refreshments or lunch.

An interpreter for the deaf is available at all events. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000, email maryac@unr.edu,or visit www.unr.edu/stsv/slservices/drc

Events during Disability Awareness Month will include:

Disability Awareness Month presents I. King Jordan
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Church Fine Arts Building, Nightingale Concert Hall
Dr. I. King Jordan, President Emeritus of Gallaudet University, will deliver this year’s keynote address for the University of Nevada, Reno’s Disability Awareness Month. Dr. Jordan made history in 1988 when he became the first deaf person to lead a university in the United States. A reception will follow at the Front Door Gallery adjacent to Nightingale Concert Hall. For more information, contact Mary Anne Christensen at the University’s Disability Resource Center, maryac@unr.edu.
FREE

Deaf Fun Day
Friday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Emergency Operations Center, 5195 Spectrum Blvd., Reno
Enjoy activities for all ages, build emergency preparation kits and tour the Emergency Operations Center. For more information contact Edina Jambor at (775) 887-1060.
FREE

City of Reno Access Summit
Friday, Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Reno-Sparks Convention Center
The Reno Access Advisory Committee (RAAC) is hosting this event summit to solicit input and develop priorities for recreation opportunities provided by the City of Reno for people with disabilities. Reservations required by calling (775) 353-2083.
FREE, includes lunch

Benefit Dinner and Concert: “The Miracle of Yes”
Honoring Nevada First Lady Dawn Gibbons and Annette Whittemore
Saturday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.
Location: Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
Please join us for this fundraiser presented by the Autism Coalition of Nevada and the Lili Claire Foundation featuring a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, and entertainment provided by popular musical group The Bangles and Dilana Robichaux from television’s “Rock Star: Supernova.” For tickets and sponsorship information, call (775) 329-2268 or (702) 862-8141.

Disability Awareness Month Second Annual Accommodations Fair
Tuesday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union lawn
Come join the second annual Accommodations Fair featuring social and educational activities for deaf and hard of hearing youth and young adults in northern Nevada. Disability service administrators, students, parents and community members will have opportunities to see accommodations “in action” at exhibit booths. For more information contact Mary Anne Christensen in the University’s Disability Resource Center, maryac@unr.edu.
FREE, includes noontime barbecue

2007 Business Leadership Symon Awards Luncheon
Thursday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino
The Nevada Business Leadership Network will be recognizing exemplary individuals, businesses and organizations for their commitment to a diverse workforce that provides opportunities and support for people with disabilities. The keynote address will be delivered by Steve Hull, Ph.D., regional workforce consultant, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, Northern Nevada Development Authority and Nevadaworks. For more information or to purchase tickets call (775) 544-6046.

“Access-Opportunity-Success” is sponsored by the University Disability Resource Center (DRC) in collaboration with the Nevada University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCED), University of Nevada, Reno Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, and the University Disabilities Resource Coalition, with additional support from the Office of Disability Services, Reno Access Advisory Committee, Relay Nevada/Sprint, Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), Enrollment Services, Extended Studies, Residential Life, Housing and Food Services, Nevada Business Leadership Network, Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, City of Reno, Washoe County School District, Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living, VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, The Note-Ables, Disabled Sports USA Far West, Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Awareness Coalition, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada Community College, Autism Coalition of Nevada, Lili Claire Foundation, Nevada Association of the Deaf, Washoe County Emergency Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center, Jot Travis Student Union, SAGE Consortium, College of Health and Human Sciences, ASUN Gerontology Club, ASUN Wolf Pack Veterans, Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Peace Studies, Department of Sociology, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, School of Social Work, Veterans Services, and the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

For more information about the University of Nevada, Reno Disability Awareness Month events, or the University’s initiatives and services for people with disabilities, call Mary Anne Christensen at the University Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000, email maryac@unr.edu, or visit: www.unr.edu/stsv/slservices/drc

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